THE SCOTTISH Greens say they would axe the Scottish government’s exclusive agreement with Flamingo Land to develop a site at Loch Lomond, bringing a decade-long battle to an end.

The company has now lost two bids to develop the site near Balloch in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, with two hotels, a waterpark, over 100 woodland lodges, and a monorail amid widespread opposition from conservation groups and environmental watchdog the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, as well as the local community, with more than 155,000 signing a petition against it.

After two appeals, the planning process was “called in” by the Scottish government for a final decision, but despite their independent reporter favouring a grant, ministers refused planning permission in February.

At the time, development director for Lomond Banks, Jim Paterson, said the company would “carefully review the decision in full and consider our options” before going on to launch a final appeal at the Court of Session.

Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer said: “For the past 10 years, Flamingo Land have tried to force their daft and destructive plans onto the iconic banks of Loch Lomond.

“They’ve attempted to wear down, outspend, bully and exhaust the people of Balloch.

“This saga has gone on for so long because of a sweetheart deal given to them by the Scottish government over a decade ago.

“Once this final desperate legal challenge is dismissed, the Scottish Greens would cancel their exclusive agreement to the site and help the community to move on from this long nightmare.

“We simply cannot allow one of Scotland’s most iconic sites to be held to ransom for another decade by a theme park operator who can’t take no for an answer.”